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I find that a lot of people think that holiday meals are more difficult to prepare than they actually are. As a consequence, too many people are nervous when trying to cook for the holidays. If you’re new to cooking or just want to try something different, easy-to-understand instruction is hard to find when trying to cook the perfect turkey.

If you’re looking for a new or better way to prepare turkey this holiday season, you’re not alone. According to the USDA Official Website, this is how you do it:

Quick Turkey Tips:

How much turkey per person: Plan on 1 1/2 pounds of (uncooked) turkey per person.
Thawing time: Budget enough time for thawing your bird:
Cooking stuffing: Remember to remove the giblet packet and turkey neck It’s safer to cook stuffing in a separate baking dish but if in-the-bird is what you prefer, pack it in loosely — it should register at 165 F with an instant read thermometer before serving.
Taking the turkey’s temperature: Use an instant read thermometer to check your turkey’s temp: insert the probe in the deepest part of the thigh — it should register 165 F.
Resting time: Let turkey turkey rest 20 minutes before carving.

How Long to Roast a Turkey: (Print the Recipe Card Here)

These times all based on roasting a turkey at 325 F.

Unstuffed

4 to 8 pounds (breast only): 1 1/2 to 3 1/4 hours
8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
20 to 24 pounds: 4 1/2 to 5 hours

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Thanksgiving Easy Recipes

Stuffed

6 to 8 pounds (breast only): 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours
8 to 12 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds: 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours

It’s safe to cook a completely frozen turkey but it will take at least 50 percent longer than a fully thawed bird. If cooking from frozen, remove the giblet packet with tongs about halfway through. Cook until the deepest part of the thigh registers 165 F with an instant read thermometer.

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